During August, Whidbey General Hospital holds a food drive to benefit the Gifts from the Heart Food Bank in Coupeville. It is also the month the Hospital’s Employee Council holds the annual Employee Council Picnic and Craft Fair.

Last week, those two events merged into a fun-and food-filled event that supported employees and the food bank alike, said Trish Rose, Whidbey General public relations.

During the picnic, the Employee Council rented a “Money Cyclone” with funds provided by hospital employees. They sold tickets for an opportunity to stand in the cyclone and grab as much swirling money as they could in 30 seconds.

Between the profits from the ticket sales and the generous donations of employees, this event alone raised $323 for the food bank. The hospital will continue to collect food and cash donations throughout the month of August. Community members may drop off donations in pink bins at the hospital or at the hospital cafeteria.

Whidbey General is located at 101 N. Main St. in Coupeville. For more information, call 321-5151.

Gifts from the Heart Food Bank has served Central Whidbey Island for 10 years. They distribute food on the second and fourth Wednesdays every month.

For more information about the food bank, visit www.giftsfromtheheart foodbank.com.